Catherine Layne Woodmansee

Born Catherine Layne Woodmansee in Killeen, Texas, Nov. 19, 1957, to Jack (John) and Patty (Patricia)Woodmansee. Sister to John W. Woodmansee III, and Robert Alan Woodmansee, and mother to Connor Bryan Pickett and Taylor Catherine Pickett. Melissa Sisney, Robin Woodmansee, Bryan and Lauren Pickett, Nancy Dykstra, Carol Barnett, Fran and David Roseberry, Ted and Lee Ann Nelson and Claudia Paralles have been additional loving family to Cathi and she has been prayerfully supported by the larger Woodmansee-Williams family and her Christ Church, Peru Sisters, Layne Com and Shattuck/St. Mary’s friends.

Cathi grew up as an Army Brat, moving wherever her father was called to duty. Her character was formed around Honor, Duty, Country - the West Point Creed. As she matured, her character was further enriched by her personal decision and determination to Honor God, live for His glory, and love and be devoted to her family, friends and those in need.

Her great joy in education was finding Shattuck-St. Mary’s Academies, in Faribault, MN, then the University of Virginia, and Cambridge University in England. Each school had a profound impact on her life and her love for those schools and the friendships she made while there have never diminished.

Cathi was a successful businesswoman, forging her way into the telecom business with her own company, Layne Communications, LLC. Those she worked with and those who worked for her found her to be honorable, intelligent and a just peacemaker. Her colleagues described her as “Fearless and fair, fresh and new every day, and always a friend,”

Her faith in God was found in Christ Church, Plano, TX, when during an Alpha course she said, “I no longer have to lean on the faith of my parents, I have found my own.” Within a few short years after her spiritual transformation she learned she had an advanced and aggressive form of breast cancer, and for ten years she has survived, overcome and out-lived all predictions. On her bookcase is a framed picture, which reads: “Everyone dies. But not everyone truly lives.”

Witnesses to her faith have gained strength and courage to see how fearlessly and poised she has truly been over the years. Her mother has said that in the midst of her pain she has seen Cathi sleep with a smile on her face, silently forming the words, “I love you” and “What is it you want of me?” She awoke and slept with joy, which she said, came after she asked God if she gave Him her fear would He grant her His joy. She did—and He did!

Not once in her ten-year battle with cancer did anyone ever hear Cathi complain—quite the contrary - she wanted everyone to know that she was blessed, and she is! With her unselfish and loving nature, Cathi blessed everyone. Her house was a haven for sick or troubled friends, as well as for her children’s friends and pets!

To know Cathi has been to know God and His love. To love Cathi has been an honor. Her imprint on this life is great. How sweet her reward must be in the next life! A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held on Wednesday May 2nd at 10:00 AM at Christ Church, 4550 Legacy Drive Plano, TX 75024. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials may be made to “Christ Church Memorial Fund-Family Ministries" in care of the church address. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall.